High speed diverter

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for diverting objects to a second path from a first path. Some embodiments include an articulatable diverting member coupled to an endless loop placed at an oblique angle above the first path of the conveyor. The diverting members are selectively placed in either a retracted position or an extended position based on sensory knowledge of the particular objects passing underneath the endless member. In the extended position, the diverting members contact the particular objects and slide them to the second path. In the retracted position, the conveyed objects pass underneath the diverting member.

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisionalapplications Ser. No. 60/577,123, filed Jun. 4, 2004, incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to methods and apparatus for divertingproducts on a conveyor, and especially relates to high speed diversionof products on a slippable roller conveyor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often necessary to sort objects being conveyed on a conveyor. Thesorting may be necessitated by downstream events (such as too little ortoo much product at a subsequent station), by the need to separateobjects based on their identity (which can be indicated by a bar code),for separation of objects based on their final destination, or for otherreasons. Further, the objects may be conveyed in an irregular pattern,with irregular spacing or irregular product orientation. For any or allof these reasons, or for other reasons, it may be desirable to quicklydetermine which specific objects in a group of objects are to bediverted from one conveying path to another conveying path, and toaccomplish that diversion without affecting the non-selected objects.

The various embodiments of the invention shown and described hereinprovide novel and unobvious ways to divert products from one conveyorpath to another conveyor path.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to apparatus andmethods for diverting objects being conveyed along a path.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a divertingmechanism with actuatable divertable members arranged in a loop. In someembodiments the entire loop is above the conveying surface. In otherembodiments an object-diverting portion of the loop is above theconveying surface and a paddle-return portion of the loop is below theconveying surface.

And yet other embodiments, the present invention pertains to methods andapparatus for returning a diverter member from an arbitrary position toa predetermined initial position. In some embodiments the method andapparatus pertain to moving a pivotable member from an extended positionto a retracted position.

Other embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods andapparatus for limiting the overtravel of a diverting member as it ismoved from one position to another position.

Yet other embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods andapparatus for high speed diversion of products on a slippable rollerconveyor to minimize the damage to the conveyed product as it isdiverted.

Yet other aspects of various embodiments of the present invention can befound in the drawings, detailed description, and claims to follow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a conveying system according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a mirror image of an end view of the system of FIG. 1 as takenalong lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a mirror image of a view of the system of FIG. 1 as takenalong lines 3-3.

FIG. 3B is an end and top perspective view of the conveying system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3C is a side perspective view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3D is a side perspective view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3E is a side perspective view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a diverter assembly according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of the assembly of FIG. 4 as taken along line 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 as taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 4

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a paddle assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the paddle of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side and top perspective view of the paddle of FIG. 7 shownin a fully retracted position.

FIG. 10 is a side and top perspective view of the paddle assembly ofFIG. 7 as shown in a partially retracted position.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the paddle assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the connector of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the paddle assembly of FIG. 9 astaken along line 13-13 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a side and top perspective view of a diverter assemblyaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side and top perspective view of a portion of the diverterassembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a top and end perspective view of the diverter assembly ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a paddle assembly according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the paddle assembly of FIG. 17 astaken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

Various of embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods andapparatus for diverting a stream of products being conveyed along aconveyor. In some embodiments the diverter assembly is located above theconveying path, such that the paddle assemblies of the diverter, whenfully extended, have a distal end which is located close to theconveying path, but located above the conveying path. In yet otherembodiments, the distal end of the paddle assembly in the fully extendedposition has a distal end that is located below the conveying path ofthe conveyor, especially for those conveyors in which one or morerollers have been removed from the corresponding roller shafts.

Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to a conveyor systemincluding a conveyor, diverter member, actuator, product sensors, and anelectronic controller. The sensors are located upstream of the divertingassembly, and provide product information such as the number ofproducts, spacing of products, height of products, or type of product(such as information from a bar code reader), as examples. Informationfrom the sensor is received by an electronic controller, such as adigital controller, which determines whether a particular product shouldremain traveling in its current path, or if it should be diverted to asecond path. The second path can be parallel to the original path, orangled away from the original path. The controller, knowing the speedand location of the product, and also knowing whether or not the productshould be diverted, sends a signal to an actuator which causes a memberof the diverting assembly to be position such that the desired affecttakes place. For those products to be diverted, the member is placed ina position where it contacts the targeted product as the product movesalong the original surface path on the conveyor. For those productswhich are not targeted (i.e. those products which are to remaintraveling along the original path), the member is placed in a positionsuch that it does not contact the conveyed product.

The present invention contemplates diverter assemblies in which theinitial position of a diverter member is extended so as to contact anddivert the product. In these embodiments, the actuator would positionthe member to a retracted position for those products which are toremain on the original path. In a preferred embodiment, the divertermembers are initially placed in a retracted position such that theactuator places the diverting member in a position so as to contact andthereby divert the product as it reaches the diverting assembly.

Preferably, the diverting assembly is placed at an angle relative to theconveying path. In some embodiments, the diverting assembly includes arecirculating loop of diverting members, for example diverting memberscoupled to a chain rotating on a pair of sprockets, although the presentinvention also contemplates the use of an endless member such as atoothed belt.

In a preferred embodiment, the recirculating loop of diverting membersis placed above the conveying path. In yet other embodiments, one pathof the loop is above the conveying path and the other path of the loopis below the conveying path. In those embodiments, the portion of theloop above the conveying path carries those diverting members which areintended to divert products. The lower path is a return path where alldiverting members are placed in a known, initial position and returnedback to the top path of the loop.

In some embodiments of the present invention the return path of the loopincludes means for returning an actuated diverting member to a knownposition. In one embodiment, the means for returning includes astationery member that is placed such that a diverting member not in thedesired initial position will contact the stationery member as thediverting member moves with the loop. The stationery member ispreferably placed proximate to the return path so that a portion of thediverting member touches the stationery member and slides along asurface of the stationery member as the path moves. The stationerymember is adapted and configured such that the relative movement betweenthe stationery member and the diverting members results in a divertingmember moving from its current, actuated position to the desired initialposition. In one embodiment, the stationery member is spaced apart fromthe return path and angled relative to the return path.

Other embodiments of the present invention include one or morestationery members for limited the overtravel of the pivotal portion ofa pivoting diverting member. In one embodiment, the actuator, ascommanded by the electronic controller, causes a portion of a divertingmember to pivot about 90 degrees from a retracted position to anextended position. Located along the recirculating loop, and placedproximate to the location of the actuation, is a static member which isadapted and configured to be contacted by the pivoting portion if thepivoting portion overtravels. In contrast to other designs, theovertravel is preferably not limited by contact between the pivotingportion of the diverting member and the non-pivoting portion of thediverting member. In such other designs the reaction of the overtravelloads against the non-pivoting portion causes stress in the non-pivotingportion which can lead to failure.

In other embodiments of the present invention, there is a stationerymember which is adapted and configured to limit overtravel of thepivoting portion of a diverting member as that diverting member isreturned to the desired initial position as it travels along the returnpath of the loop. Preferably, this stationery member contacts thepivoting portion of a diverting member. Preferably, the stationerymember reduces or eliminates any loads imposed by overtravel as thepivoting portion returns to its desired initial position.

Other embodiments to the present invention pertains to an actuatingdiverting member located above the path of the conveyor. The divertingmember includes a paddle portion pivotal between a retracted positionand an extended position. In the retracted position, objects beingconveyed pass underneath the diverting member and remain on theirpresent path of travel. If the diverted member is actuated to theextended position, the paddle is adapted and configured such that thedistal end of the extended paddle is at a height lower than the centerof gravity of the product be diverted, yet above the surface path of theconveyor. By extending the length to a position below the product'scenter of gravity, the stability of the diverted product is enhanced.

One embodiment of the present invention includes an endless loop ofpaddles (diverting members) engaged by a system input. The length of thediverted product is measured and converted to an output that engages theappropriate number of paddles to create a specially sized moving guide.This provides smaller gaps between products, as well as the flexibilityto accept randomly spaced products.

Some embodiments of the present invention include a high-speed divertingcapability that can increase production rates and also gently handlingthe products. Some embodiments accept an assortment of package types ofvarious sizes with random spacing. As one example, a 10-inch product canbe divided from one lane into two lanes at a rate of 200 products perminute. Based on system speeds and inputs (bar code reading, sensors,controls), some embodiments can increase or decrease the rate ofthroughput to meet the throughput requirements of the line.

Some embodiments of the present invention can perform automaticsortation and lane balancing using resident intelligence and external“Lane Full” or “High Limit” sensors based on specific criteria or whenusing an external controller such as a PLC or computer to route productsto unlimited lanes. Additionally, some embodiments can performsequential pattern forming/dividing and are able to function as aproduct-reject device. Some embodiments divert variable length producton-demand. This divert signal can be generated by a variety of methods,including RF tag, vision, bar code and color sensing.

Various embodiments of the present invention include some or all of thefollowing features: aluminum extruded or stainless steel framework; sortby barcode, vision system or other sensors; sort products from 1 to 2lanes on an individual product basis or divert multiple devices(multiple lane sorting system); ability to run variable product lengthswith varied spacing and speed; capable or retrofitting current system;and menu-driven operation for short changeovers.

As the diverting paddles rise and fall, they create a virtual wall withthe appropriate number of paddles to create a specially sized movingguide. The wall diverts selected products to an alternate laneincreasing production rates, while gently handling products.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D depict various views of a conveyingsystem 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. System20 includes a conveyor 28 which is transporting a plurality of products32 in a conveying direction 24 along a conveying path 26. In oneembodiment, the conveying path 26 is provided by a plurality ofslippable rollers 30 which are rotatably supported by a driven rollershaft. Further information about the operation of slippable rollerconveyors can be found in any of the following documents. Thisapplication incorporates by reference U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,940, LOWELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CONVEYOR; U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,047, ERGONOMICWORKSTATION CONVEYOR APPARATUS AND METHOD; U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,786,SLIPPABLE ROLLER CONVEYOR FOR A CLEAN ROOM; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,255,CONVEYOR WITH DRIVEN SLIPPABLE ROLLERS; all of the foregoing beingincorporated herein by reference. Although what has been shown anddescribed is the use of a slippable roller conveyor, the presentinvention is not so limited and contemplates diversion of products onany type of conveyor, including roller conveyors that are non-slippable,conveyors surfaces both slippable and non-slippable driven by chain,gear or belt, table top chain conveyors, and belt top surface conveyors.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments conveyor 28 includesa divider 38 that extends longitudinally across portions ofconveying-path 26. Divider 38 separates the conveying path into a firstchannel 40′ and a second channel 40″, which can be used to feed theconveyed products to multiple downstream stations. Preferably, there isa gap 39 in divider 38 through which a portion of diverter assembly 50passes. As best seen in FIG. 1, as products 32 approach diverterassembly 50, they can be selectively diverted by one or more paddleassemblies 70, such that a diverted product 32′ is pushed and redirectedby the extended paddle assembly to move through gap 39 from firstchannel 40′ into second channel 40″. Although what has been shown anddescribed are first and second channels that are generally parallel, thepresent invention also contemplates diversion of products from a firstchannel into a second, non-parallel channel, and further contemplatesdiversion products from a first channel into multiple other channels.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A, it can be seen that diverter assembly 50includes a plurality of multi-position diverter members or paddleassemblies 70 which are mounted to an endless chain or belt 52. Chain 52is driven at one end by a motor 54 powering a drive sprocket 56, andsupported at the other end by a slave sprocket 58, which is rotatablysupported by a pair of bearing supports 59. A plurality of verticalstructural members 60′ and horizontal structural members 60″ provide asupport frame for diverter assembly 50. A further understanding ofpaddle assembly 70 will be provided later in this description byreference to its similarities with paddle assembly 170. Looping of chain52 around sprockets 56 and 58 results in an upper path 62″ of paddleassemblies and a lower path 62′ of paddle assemblies. Diverter assembly50 is coupled to vertical structural members 60′ such that there is aclearance height 27 between the conveying path 26 and the lowest surfaceof lower path 62′, as measured when the corresponding paddle assembly 70is in the fully retracted position 67″. This clearance height 27 isestablished to permit a product 32 to pass underneath the lower path 62′when the paddle assembly is fully retracted. However, if the paddleassembly is placed in the extended position, the length 78 of the paddleportion 76 extends downward a distance preferably less than theclearance height 27. The distal end of the extended paddle portion ispreferably above conveying path 26. By this selection of the length 78,the extended paddle does not touch any of the rollers 30. This permitsdiverter assembly 50 to be located along conveyor 28 without referenceto any special roller shafts or rollers. However, some embodiments ofthe present invention contemplate paddle lengths whose distal endsextends below the conveying surface when fully extended, such that oneor more rollers are removed from the corresponding shafts to preventinterference between the paddle and the roller.

In those embodiments in which the distal end of the paddle extends belowthe conveying path in the fully extended position, it is preferable toprovide a conveyor having multiple slippable rollers on each rollershaft. It is then possible to have the diverter assembly cross over theconveying path, with a pathway for the distal paddle ends beingproviding by selective removal of individual rollers on a plurality ofadjacent roller shafts. Further, it is possible to provide thisconfiguration of modified conveyor and still obtain use of a standardroller shaft, and not require the use of a special roller shaft.

The frame structure of diverter assembly 50 is coupled to the structureof conveyor 28 so as to form an angle 42 between the lower path of thepaddles and the direction of the conveying. As angle 42 decreases, thereis less force applied by the extended paddles to divert the product fromthe first conveying the channel 40′ to the second conveying channel 40″.Preferably, diverter assembly 50 is non-parallel and non-perpendicularto the path of conveyor 28. In some embodiments, the angle 42 rangesfrom about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees. By using a slippable rollerconveyor, it is possible to establish the proper angle without the needto remove rollers or have special roller shafts. Therefore, a singlediverter assembly can be used at different times on the same conveyor atdifferent angle. In those embodiments in which the distal end of thepaddles remains above the conveying path, it is possible to achieve anyangular orientation between the diverter assembly and the conveyorwithout removing any rollers from the conveyor or using any specialroller shaft.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the length 78 of paddle 76is adapted and configured to be about the same as the height of theproduct or greater than the height of the product being diverted. Inother embodiments, the length of the paddle assembly is adapted andconfigured to extend downward from the lower paddle path to a positionbelow the center of gravity of the product being conveyed. The use ofpaddles having lengths as described results in increase stability of theproduct being diverted, with less chance of tip-over, since the distalend of the paddle extends to a position between the conveyor path andthe product center of gravity. This increased stability of the divertedproducts permits both the conveyor 28 and diverter assembly 50 to run atincreased speeds. In some embodiments, the speed of the paddle upperpath and paddle lower path is about 400 ft per minute. In thoseembodiments including a slippable roller conveyor, the speed of thediverter member can be chosen to limit the acceleration forces movingthe diverted object, without concern for damage to the product, becauseof the slippable nature of the rollers.

In some embodiments the speed of the paddle path is selected such thatthere is little or no slippage between the diverted product and thepaddle surface. This can be achieved by establishing a diverter pathspeed substantially equal to the speed of the conveying path of conveyor28 divided by the cosine of angle 42. By matching the conveying speedand the diverting speed in this manner there is little or no abrasion ofthe paddle against the product. As the product is diverted from oneconveying channel to another the product slides laterally over the topsof the slippable rollers. In other embodiments the speed of the paddlepath is selected to be less than the speed of the conveying path dividedby the cosine of the angle. In these embodiments, the diversion of aproduct by the diverter members can result in stoppage of one or moreslippable rollers. However, by use of slippable rollers the slippageoccurs between the roller shaft and the roller, with little or noslippage between the roller and the diverted product.

In some embodiments of the present invention it is desired to limit theacceleration force applied to the diverted products. As one example, fora product having an acceleration limit of 20 gs, the diverter assemblyincludes drive and return sprockets having 5 inch diameters, the lowestsurface of the retracted paddle being about 2 inches below the diameterof the pulley, the motor running at about 450 rpm, and the belt holdingthe paddles moving at about 590 feet per minute.

FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E are taken from photographs according to oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is an end perspective viewlongitudinally along conveyor 28. The second channel 40″ is shown on theleft of FIG. 3B, including two diverted products 32′. The non-divertedproducts 32 are shown on the right side of FIG. 3B in the first channel40′. A diverter 38 separates channels 40′ and 40″.

FIG. 3C shows a portion of a conveying system proximate to the gap 39along divider 38. A diverted product 32′ is shown passing through gap 39under the influence of a plurality of paddle assemblies 70 in theextended position 67′. FIG. 3C also shows a paddle assembly 70 in thefully retracted position 67″. The paddle assemblies are attached tochain 52. Chain 52 is directed through a chain guide 53 around a slavesprocket 58 supported by a pair of bearing supports 59.

FIGS. 3D and 3E depict one embodiment of an actuator assembly 48 forchanging the position of the paddle assemblies 70. In one embodiment,actuator assembly 48 includes a pneumatically driven piston and rodcontained within a cylinder. Actuating rod 48A extends from one end ofthe actuator housing and pushes against a block 48B which is coupled bypivot 48C to a vertical structural member 60′. As rod 48A extends, block48B pivots about pivot 48C, and one corner of block 48B presses againstthe paddle 76 of a paddle assembly 70 of the lower path 62′ passingproximate to actuator 48. One or more springs (not shown) returnactuator 48 to its original position. A pair of pneumatic lines 49provide pressurized gas to the pneumatic cylinder.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 depict a diverter assembly 150 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. The use of a hundred-series prefix(NXX) in front of an element number (XX) indicates an element that isthe same as the non-prefixed element number, except for those changesshown or described.

Diverter assembly 150 is constructed similarly to diverter assembly 50,except that paddle assemblies 170 incorporate a paddle 176 having alength 178 that is greater than the length 78 of paddle 76. The use of alonger length 178 permits diverter assembly 150 to be supported agreater clearance height 127 above the corresponding conveyor path 126.Therefore, a taller product 132 can pass underneath the lower path 162′when the corresponding paddle assembly 170 is placed in the fullyretracted position 167″. In a preferred embodiment, the length 178 or 78is chosen such that the distal end of the paddle extends downward to apoint between the center of gravity of the diverted product and conveyorpath 26.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of diverter assembly 150. Thiscross-sectional view is similar to a cross-sectional view of diverter50, except for the length of the paddle portion 176 of paddle assembly170. Diverter assembly 150 includes an upper path 162″ of paddleassemblies 170 coupled to a chain 152, and a lower path 162′ comprisedof an assembly of paddles 170 coupled to another portion of chain 152.Paddle assemblies 170 are shown in the fully retracted position 167″ inFIG. 6.

Diverter assembly 150 includes one or more paddle stops 164 a preferablymounted to static structure of assembly 150 proximate to the location ofactuator assembly 48. Paddle stop 164 is adapted and configured to stopexcess motion of a paddle portion 176 as it is actuated to the extendedposition 167′. FIG. 6 shows a single paddle in dotted lines in theextended position 167′. Stop 164 includes an abutting surface 164 awhich is approximate and opposing face 176 a of the extended paddle.Stop 164 thereby limits any over travel of a paddle 176 as it rotates tothe extended position, whether from the force applied by actuator 148 orby the inertia of the paddle as it pivots. In some embodiments, paddlestop 164 and paddle assembly 170 are adapted and configured such thatsubstantially all overtravel of the rotating paddle 176 is limited bystop 164. In these embodiments, the connector portion 172 of theovertraveling paddle assembly does not have to react the overtravelingload. In other embodiments, paddle 176 and connector 172 are adapted andconfigured such that some overtravel protection is provided even in theabsence of a paddle stop 164.

Some embodiments of diverter assembly 150 also include one or morepaddle stops 164 b preferably mounted to static structure of assembly150 proximate to means 190 for returning a diverter member to an initialposition. As one example, paddle stop 164 b is placed along a surface ofchain guide 53, preferably proximate to second end 196 of paddle returnguide 192. Further description of return means 190 is provided later, byreference to its similarities to means 290.

FIG. 6 shows the chain or belt 152 located within a C-cross sectionguide 153. Individual paddles assemblies 170 are fasten to chain 152 byconnector 172.

FIGS. 7-13 depict a paddle assembly 170 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. Paddle assembly 170 is preferably comprised of aconnector 172 which pivotally supports a paddle 176. Connector 172includes a pair of ears 184 which pivotally couple to a pair of axleprotrusions 182 located on opposite sides of one end of paddle 172,forming a hinge joint 180. Paddle 176 can pivot relative to connector172 from the fully extended position 167′ (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8), to apartially retracted position 167″ (shown in FIG. 10), or to a fullyretracted position 167″ (shown in FIG. 9). In one embodiment, paddle 176is capable of a range of motion of about 90 degrees relative toconnector 172.

The coupling of paddle 176 to connector 172 includes means for holding aposition of the paddle relative to the connector. Connector 172 includesa central member 173 which includes a first detent 188 and a seconddetent 189. Paddle assembly 176 preferably includes a molded spring 186which includes a protrusion or rib 187. Protrusion 187 is adapted andconfigured to be received within first or second detent 188 or 189respectively. Spring 186 presses rib 187 into the corresponding detent,and thereby maintains the relative position of connector 172 relative topaddle 176. First detent 188 is located along central member 173 so asto establish the fully retracted position of paddle 176 relative toconnector 172. Second detent 189 is located along central member 173 soas to establish the fully extended position of paddle 176 relative toconnector 172. Connector 172 includes a pair of attachment roles 174through which a pair of fasteners couple paddle assembly 170 to chain152.

In some embodiments both the connector 172 and paddle 176 are fabricatedfrom plastic. In one embodiment the connector is fabricated from a 6/6nylon with 10 percent TFE and 30 percent glass. In another embodimentthe paddle is fabricated from 6/6 nylon with 5 percent TFE and 40percent glass.

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 depict a diverter assembly 250 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. As shown in these figures, diverterassembly 250 is shown attached to a workbench, but it is understood thatdiverter assembly 250 can be used in conjunction with a conveyor 228 aspart of a conveying system 220.

Diverter assembly 250 includes a motor 254 operated by a motorcontroller 246 and driving a chain 252 with a drive sprocket 256 and aslave sprocket 258. Diverter assembly 250 includes an upper, return path262″ moving in a direction 263, which loops to a lower, diverting path262′ moving in a direction opposite to direction 263.

Diverter assembly 250 includes means 290 for returning a divertingmember 270 to an initial position. This returning means includes apaddle return guide 292 suspended above a portion of upper path 262″. Inone embodiment, return guide 292 is comprised of a circularcross-section bar with two ends, a first end 294 being supported alongthe chain side of upper path 262″ (as best seen in FIG. 16), and asecond end 296 preferably supported over the paddle distal end portionof upper path 262″. In other embodiments, first end 294 is located at afirst, greater elevation above upper path 262″, and second end 296 islocated at a second, lower height above the upper path.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention the paddle returnguide is substantially parallel to the upper paddle path, and is angledsuch that one end of the guide is located proximate to the chain portionof the upper path, with the pipe being angled relative to the upper pathso as to crosswise span at least a portion of the width of the track, aswell as a portion of the length of the track. In yet anotherembodiments, the paddle return guide is non-parallel to the upper path,such that the first end of the guide is located a first, greaterelevation above the upper path, and the second end of the guide islocated at a second, lower elevation above the upper path. The paddlereturn guide 292 shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 is angled relative toupper path 262 in relation to both elevation relative to the upper pathand also in spanning at least a portion of the width of the upper path.

As best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16 paddle assemblies 270 in the extendedposition rotate up and around slave sprocket 258. The back surface ofthe extended paddle contacts a surface of return guide 292. As chain 252continues to move the extended paddle along the upper path, the paddleportion 276 remains in contact with the surface of the return guide. Asbest seen in FIG. 16, since the return guide 292 decreases in elevationand also moves spanwise across the width of the upper path, the moving,extended paddles are forced toward the fully retracted position 267″ bythe motion of the upper path. Preferably, paddle return guide 292 isattached to static structure of diverter assembly 250. In oneembodiment, return guide 292 has a substantially circular cross-section.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a paddle assembly 370 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. Paddle assembly 370 is similar topaddle assembly 270, except that the means for holding the position ofpaddle 376 relative to connector 372 includes a ball 391 which ispressed into a corresponding detent 388 or 389 by a spring 386 placedwithin an internal pocket of paddle 376.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

1. A system for conveying objects, comprising: a roller conveyorcomprising a plurality of roller shafts, each said roller shaftrotatably supporting at least one roller, said rollers providing a firstpath for conveying the objects in a first direction; a plurality ofarticulatable diverting members moving along a second path in a seconddirection, the second path being above the first path, the seconddirection being nonparallel and nonperpendicular to the first direction,said diverting members being articulatable between a first retractedposition and a second extended position; and an actuator for changingsaid diverting member from one of the first position or the secondposition to the other of the first position or the second position. 2.The system of claim 1 wherein each said roller is slippable about thecorresponding said roller shaft.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein in thefirst position said diverting member does not contact an object beingconveyed along the first path, and in the second position said divertingmember contacts an object being conveyed along the first path.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3 wherein each said roller is slippable about thecorresponding shaft.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said divertingmembers move along a third path above the second path in a thirddirection opposite to the first direction.
 6. The system of claim 5comprising a stationary guide for returning said diverting member fromthe second position to the first position as the diverting member movesalong the third path.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said stationaryguide has an outer surface for sliding contact with said divertingmember in the second position, at least a portion of the outer surfacebeing adapted and configured to converge toward said third path in thethird direction.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the included anglebetween the first path and the second path is more than about 20 degreesand less than about 70 degrees.
 9. The systems of claim 8 wherein thefirst path moves at a first speed, the second path moves at a secondspeed, and the second speed is less than the first speed divided by thecosine of the included angle.
 10. The system of claim 1 which furthercomprises an endless member arranged in a loop, at least a portion ofthe loop being above the first path said articulatable diverting membersbeing coupled to said endless member.
 11. The system of claim 1 whereineach object has a center of gravity, and said diverting members areadapted and configured to have a distal end located between the firstpath and the center of gravity in the extended position.
 12. The systemof claim 1 which further comprises a stationary member located proximateto the second path and adapted and configured to contact at least onesaid diverting member and to limit overtravel as said member articulatesbetween the first position and second position.
 13. A system forconveying objects, comprising: a roller conveyor comprising a pluralityof roller shafts, each said roller shaft rotatably supporting at leastone roller, said rollers providing a first path for conveying theobjects in a first direction; a plurality of articulatable divertingmembers moving along a second path in a second direction, the secondpath being above the first path, each said member having a distal end,said diverting members being articulatable between a first retractedposition wherein there is a first gap above the first path to saidretracted diverting member and a second extended position wherein thereis a second gap above the first path to the distal end of said extendeddiverting member, the first gap being greater than the second gap, saiddiverting members being adapted and configured to permit an object topass underneath said retracted diverting member; and an actuator forchanging said diverting member from one of the first position or thesecond position to the other of the first position or the secondposition.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein each said roller is areslippable about the corresponding said roller shaft.
 15. The system ofclaim 13 which further comprises an endless member arranged in a loop,at least a portion of the loop being above the first path, saidarticulatable diverting members being coupled to said endless member.16. The system of claim 15 wherein said endless member is a chain. 17.The system of claim 15 wherein said endless member is a belt.
 18. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein each object has a center of gravity, and saiddiverting members are adapted and configured such that each said distalend is located between the first path and the center of gravity in theextended position.
 19. The system of claim 13 wherein the first path isdivided into a first channel for the objects passing underneath saidretracted diverting members and a second channel substantially parallelto the first channel for those objects being diverted by said extendeddiverting member.
 20. The system of claim 13 wherein each said divertingmember comprises a connector portion and a paddle portion pivotal aboutthe corresponding said connector portion.
 21. The system of claim 13wherein in the first position said diverting member does not contact anobject being conveyed along the first path, and in the second positionsaid diverting member contacts an object being conveyed along the firstpath.
 22. The system of claim 13 wherein the included angle between thefirst path and the second path is more than about 20 degrees and lessthan about 70 degrees.
 23. The system of claim 1 which further comprisesa stationary member located proximate to the second path and adapted andconfigured to contact at least one said diverting member and to limitovertravel as said member articulates between the first position andsecond position
 24. The system of claim 13 wherein there is a secondportion of the loop being above the first portion and said stationarymember is located above the second portion.
 25. A system for conveyingobjects, comprising: a roller conveyor comprising a plurality of rollershafts, each said roller shaft rotatably supporting at least one roller,said rollers providing a first path for conveying the objects in a firstdirection; a flexible member arranged in a moving loop, a first portionof the loop being above the first path; a plurality of pivotablediverting members each including a connector portion and a pivotingportion pivotal about the corresponding said connector portion, saidconnector portions being coupled to said flexible member and moving withthe loop, said diverting members being pivotable between a firstposition and a second position, said diverting members being adapted andconfigured to permit an object on said conveyor to pass underneath saiddiverting member in one of the first position or second position andbeing adapted and configured to block an object on said conveyor frompassing underneath said diverting member in the other of the firstposition or second position; and a first stationary member locatedproximate to said flexible member and adapted and configured forcontacting a first surface of said pivoting portion and limitingovertravel of said pivoting portion relative to said correspondingconnector portion as said pivoting portion pivots to one of the firstposition or second position.
 26. The system of claim 25 which furthercomprises a second stationary member located proximate to said flexiblemember and adapted and configured to contact a second surface of saidpivoting portion different than the first surface and to limitovertravel of said pivoting portion relative to said correspondingconnector portion as said pivoting portion pivots to the other of thefirst position or second position.
 27. The system of claim 26 whereineach said roller is slippable about the corresponding said roller shaft.28. The system of claim 25 wherein the included angle between the firstpath and the first portion is more than about 20 degrees and less thanabout 70 degrees.
 29. The system of claim 25 wherein each object has acenter of gravity, and said diverting members are adapted and configuredto have a distal end located between the first path and the center ofgravity in the blocking position.
 30. The system of claim 25 whereinthere is a second portion of the loop being above the first portion andsaid stationary member is located above the second portion.
 31. A systemfor conveying objects, comprising: a roller conveyor comprising aplurality of roller shafts, each said roller shaft rotatably supportingat least one roller, said rollers providing a first path for conveyingthe objects in a first direction; a flexible member moving in at least apartial loop, a first portion of the at least partial loop being abovethe first path; a plurality of pivotable diverting members eachincluding a connector portion and a pivoting portion pivotal about thecorresponding said connector portion, said connector portions beingcoupled to said flexible member and moving with the loop, said divertingmembers being pivotable between a retracted position and an extendedposition, said diverting members being adapted and configured to permitan object on said conveyor to pass underneath said diverting member inthe retracted position and being adapted and configured to block anobject on said conveyor from passing underneath said diverting member inthe extended position; and a stationary member located proximate to saidflexible member and adapted and configured to contact a surface of saidpivoting portion of an extended said diverting member and return saidextended diverter member to the retracted position.
 32. The system ofclaim 31 wherein there is a second portion of the loop being above thefirst portion and said stationary member is located above the secondportion.
 33. The system of claim 32 wherein said stationary member has alength, the second portion of the loop with said coupled divertingmembers having a width, and said stationary member is angled relative tothe second portion such that at least a portion of the length spansacross at least a portion of the width.
 34. The system of claim 32wherein said stationary member has first and second ends, the secondportion of the loop with said coupled diverting members moving along anupper path, and said stationary member is angled relative to the upperpath such that the first end is spaced apart a first distance from theupper path, the second end is spaced apart a second distance from theupper path, and the first distance is greater than the second distance.35. The system of claim 31 wherein said stationary member has a lengthand the surface of said extended pivoting portion slides along thelength in returning to the retracted position.
 36. The system of claim35 wherein each said roller is slippable about the corresponding saidroller shaft.
 37. The system of claim 31 wherein in the retractedposition said diverting member does not contact an object being conveyedalong the first path, and in the extended position said diverting membercontacts an object being conveyed along the first path.
 38. The systemof claim 31 wherein the included angle between the first path and thefirst portion is more than about 20 degrees and less than about 70degrees.
 39. The system of claim 31 wherein the loop is an endlessmember.
 40. The system of claim 31 wherein each object has a center ofgravity, and said diverting members are adapted and configured to have adistal end located between the first path and the center of gravity inthe extended position.
 41. The system of claim 1 which further comprisesa stationary member located proximate to the second path and adapted andconfigured to contact at least one said diverting member and to limitovertravel as said member articulates between the first position andsecond position.
 42. A method for conveying an object, comprising:providing a slippable roller conveyor and a plurality of divertingmembers, the conveyor having a surface path moving in a first directionat a first speed, the diverting members being connected to an endlessmember arranged in a loop, the loop moving in a second direction at asecond speed, the second direction being obliquely angled relative tothe first direction, at least a portion of the loop being located abovethe conveyor; conveying a plurality of objects along the surface path byone or more slippable rollers in the first direction at the first speed;diverting an object to move in the second direction at the second speedby one or more diverting members; and slipping the one or more slippablerollers in contact with the diverted object during said diverting. 43.The method of claim 42 wherein the included angle between the firstdirection and the second direction is more than about 20 degrees andless than about 70 degrees.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein saiddiverting is at a second speed which is less than or about equal to thefirst speed divided by the co-sign of the included angle.
 45. A methodfor conveying object, comprising: providing a conveyor, a plurality ofactuatable diverting members, and a stationary member, the divertingmembers being actuatable from a retracted position to an extendedposition, the diverting members being coupled to an endless memberarranged in a recirculating loop, at least a portion of the loop beinglocated above the conveyor, the stationary member being locatedproximate to a portion of the loop; actuating a diverting member fromone of the retracted position or the extended position to the otherposition; sliding the actuated diverting member along the stationarymember; and returning the actuated diverting member from the otherposition to the previous position by said sliding.
 46. The method ofclaim 45 wherein the conveyor is a table top chain conveyor.
 47. Themethod of claim 45 wherein the conveying surface of the conveyor is abelt.
 48. The method of claim 45 wherein the conveying surface comprisesnon-slippable rollers.
 49. The method of claim 45 wherein the stationarymember is above the conveying path and said sliding is above theconveying path.
 50. The method of claim 45 wherein the stationary memberis below the conveying path and said sliding is below the conveyingpath.